The holiday light display in Big Bear Lake will begin on Nov. 6. (photo courtesy of Visit Big Bear)

This holiday season, Big Bear Alpine Zoo transforms into Alpine Zoo Wild Lights, a captivating, illuminated winter wonderland. The walk-through spectacle, which boasts more than 1.8 million colorful LED and solar-power lights, debuts on Nov. 6, at 5 p.m. Guests are in for a treat, and all proceeds from Alpine Zoo Wild Lights ticket sales go directly toward funding Big Bear Alpine Zoo’s ongoing wildlife rehabilitation program and Care for Big Bear’s conservation program.

“Our guests are going to be absolutely thrilled with the holiday eye candy we have on display at Big Bear Alpine Zoo,” Visit Big Bear CEO Travis Scott said. “They will even be more thrilled to know that 100% of their ticket purchase helps support the zoo’s rehabilitation work and our Care for Big Bear stewardship mission.”

Alpine Zoo Wild Lights is an after-dark experience for all ages. The nearly 2 million LED and solar-powered lights create a full spectrum of holiday magic. Visitors journey through four themed light zones, each telling a story that honors the mountain’s wildlife and natural beauty. Highlights include a 100-foot pine tree covered in shimmering-colored lights, a 20-foot archway beaming with Christmas cheer, a two-story golden teddy bear, a larger-than-life 20-foot walk-through ornament, colossal gift boxes, a group of glowing snowmen and Santa’s sleigh, which is an interactive 11-foot illuminated centerpiece. The highlighted features provide ample photo opportunities. Guests can also enjoy pastries, hot cocoa, cider and seasonal treats from the Moonridge Coffee Company Zoo Café as they explore the festive landscape. The experience concludes in the Care for Big Bear – Dark Sky Grove, a tranquil solar-powered installation that celebrates Big Bear’s ongoing efforts to reduce light pollution and preserve pristine night skies.

The casual walk-around, go-at-your-own-pace experience also gives guests an opportunity to get up close to Big Bear Alpine Zoo’s nocturnal animals. As dusk sets, certain animals’ nocturnal instincts take over, which provides an engaging exhibition in itself. Some of the animals that come alive after dark include mountain lions, foxes, raccoons, skunks, ring-tail cats, owls, coyotes, wolves and bears.

“We’re very optimistic that our Alpine Zoo Wild Lights holiday spectacle will become an annual tradition for many years to come,” Scott said.

Alpine Zoo Wild Lights holiday spectacle runs through Jan. 4, 2026. Hours are Wednesday to Sunday from 5-9 p.m. Expanded holiday hours include Mondays and Tuesdays for Thanksgiving week (Nov. 24-30) and the holiday season (Dec. 22-Jan. 4), closed on Christmas Day. Admission is $20. The experience is free for children under 5 and members of Big Bear Alpine Zoo. For information and tickets, visit bigbearzoo.org.

Big Bear Alpine Zoo is located at 42801 Moonridge Road in Big Bear Lake.